It’s that time of the year when Minnesotans get to revel in the beauty of winter’s glory. Running January 25–February 5, the Great Northern is back to reconnect us all with the magic of the season and celebrate our cold, creative winters with 10 days of diverse programming aimed at invigorating our minds and bodies. In an era of rapidly changing climate, the festival provides the opportunity to inspire action by sharing the resilient spirit of the North. Here are 5 ways to experience the fun across the Twin Cities (snow boots optional).
Photography provided by the Great Northern
Seitu Jones: Ice Fishing and Printing
January 22
This special pre-festival event will let both novice and experienced ice fishers fish alongside Minneapolis artist Seitu Jones. With help from Juxtaposition Arts apprentices, he will guide participants through the process of gyotaku, a Japanese printmaking technique that anglers have used for centuries to document their catches. Between casts, you can enjoy winter fat bike demos from event partner Melanin in Motion.
The Great Northern Sauna Village
January 26–February 5
If dashing through the snow isn’t your thing, there are plenty of ways to stay warm while joining the fun. The Great Northern’s first-ever Sauna Village is the perfect way to beat chilly temperatures. Here, you can explore eight unique sauna experiences and experiment with heat, steam, aromatherapy and the natural winter air. When it’s time for a break, guests can relax fireside with food and drink from Malcolm Yards.
The Future of Sustainable Travel
January 28
How does the climate crisis impact our relationship to travel? Find out with Artful Living Editor-in-Chief Kate Nelson as she moderates an engaging discussion with three top travel journalists who have contributed to publications including AFAR, National Geographic and The Wall Street Journal. The conversation will explore findings, predictions, trends and frameworks to consider for future globetrotting experiences.
K’óoben Pop-Up
January 30
This food collective has one goal: to keep the roots of Mexican and Latin cuisine alive. During this delectable pop-up experience, your palate will be stunned by the talents of Soleil Ramirez (Arepa Bar), Pedro Wolcott (Guacaya Bistreaux) and Nettie Colon (Red Hen Gastro Lab). The feast will be accompanied by live artwork from Gustavo Lira Garcia as well as performances by DJ Yaleb Villalobos and Huehuecoyotl Collective.
Wim Hof Workshops
February 5
Ready to get your Wim Hof Method on? You can experience the powerful combination of breathwork and cold therapy with Point Retreats at Silverwood Park, where skilled instructors will guide participants through the renowned practice. While it might be a bit of a shock at first, the physiological and mindset benefits are absolutely worth it. (Believe us — we’ve tried it.)
